Songkick helps you discover new bands and their upcoming shows
To compliment the band mentions on blog posts there's a really great service the team has built called battle of the bands. Like Alexa and Compete, battle of the bands lets you compare up to three bands together to see which one's been the most "hot" in the past five weeks based on various interactions on MySpace as well as mentions in blog posts, and the Amazon.com sales rank. The system is built to accept other streams of data, so if and when Facebook begins to make the data on artist pages a little more transparent, those numbers could be integrated into the stats too.This third leg of the service, called "BandSense" is a very novel concept. Bloggers who want to opt into the service can embed a line of Javascript into a single post or their entire blog template and get links to bands at the bottom of a post if they're mentioned. It's not just any a link spamming option, the service will only create links for bands only that are on tour. Clicking the band link in the blog goes straight to the tour dates and ticket pricing information, and if a user buys a ticket, the blog owner gets a cut. To compliment the system and keep bands you don't like (but mentioned) off your blog, you can create a blacklist. These blacklisted artists will get no such link love.In the future Hogarth tells me there will be music integration on the Songkick band pages as well as the recommendations so you can listen to some tracks without having to navigate offsite. The only delay has been finding a way to do it democratically with all of the music hosting services out there. Songkick already has integration on partnered sites like Qloud and Seeqpod, and in the future intends to spread its tour date and recommendation engine even further.
Inside CNET Labs 60- -He will make you listen, then not teach you anything.-
Inside CNET Labs 60: "He will make you listen, then not teach you anything."
Hey guys. If you're listening to this episode and it sounds like Dong and I have been taking hits of helium, I recommend you try downloading the file again. A new, more normal sounding one was just uploaded. Sorry about that! And no, you're not tripping.Ladies (all five of you) and gentlemen, welcome back to the greatest show on Earth! You could be anywhere else in the world, but you're here with us. And we appreciate it. Anyway, this week we talk girls. Or to be more specific, girl gamers. Or even more specifically, girls that are gamers but don't know they're gamers.Yeah, them. We talks bout 'em.Then, why we play WoW (World of Warcraft to the two of you that don't know). Dong and I argue about the reasons we play WoW. Dong feels obligated. I do not. I play because it's fun. That makes me the better person, so I win. Also, the story of Arthas Menethil restores Eric's WoW passion, once again. Then, shoes. Dong and I talk shoes. Specifically Five Finger shoes. Haven't heard of them? Neither had I until about a week ago. Now, I'm obsessed.Also, more Windows 7 and Snow Leopard talk! Yay! Yeah, we're really milking this OS talk thing, or maybe I'm being a little too self-conscious about it? I don't know. I just feel we've talked about this a lot lately. Hopefully you guys enjoy it. Also, our test beds need upgrading. Big time! We discuss that and what that means for you, the loyal listener. Yeah, you.To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
Hey guys. If you're listening to this episode and it sounds like Dong and I have been taking hits of helium, I recommend you try downloading the file again. A new, more normal sounding one was just uploaded. Sorry about that! And no, you're not tripping.Ladies (all five of you) and gentlemen, welcome back to the greatest show on Earth! You could be anywhere else in the world, but you're here with us. And we appreciate it. Anyway, this week we talk girls. Or to be more specific, girl gamers. Or even more specifically, girls that are gamers but don't know they're gamers.Yeah, them. We talks bout 'em.Then, why we play WoW (World of Warcraft to the two of you that don't know). Dong and I argue about the reasons we play WoW. Dong feels obligated. I do not. I play because it's fun. That makes me the better person, so I win. Also, the story of Arthas Menethil restores Eric's WoW passion, once again. Then, shoes. Dong and I talk shoes. Specifically Five Finger shoes. Haven't heard of them? Neither had I until about a week ago. Now, I'm obsessed.Also, more Windows 7 and Snow Leopard talk! Yay! Yeah, we're really milking this OS talk thing, or maybe I'm being a little too self-conscious about it? I don't know. I just feel we've talked about this a lot lately. Hopefully you guys enjoy it. Also, our test beds need upgrading. Big time! We discuss that and what that means for you, the loyal listener. Yeah, you.To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
Unofficial Google Maps iOS app disappears from App Store
Unofficial Google Maps iOS app disappears from App Store
An application designed to replace the look, feel, and utility of Apple's old maps application has disappeared from the App Store, just days after its debut.ClassicMap, an application from developer Katsumi Kishikawa -- who has two other applications on sale through Apple -- is no longer available. The free application popped up on the App Store on Monday and made waves for offering users a way to get some of the same look and feel as the old version of Apple's maps, which used data from Google. The app included an options menu that looked very much like Apple's own maps app, folding up to reveal extra options, including a toggle to switch between Apple's maps data and Google's. Notably missing were any sort of navigation features or Google's Street View, two things other developers and Google have scrambled to replace either through apps or through the Web. In a tweet Kishikawa noted that the removal was "Apple's decision," though did not elaborate. CNET has reached out to him and Apple for additional information. The removal was reported earlier by Pocketnow.
An application designed to replace the look, feel, and utility of Apple's old maps application has disappeared from the App Store, just days after its debut.ClassicMap, an application from developer Katsumi Kishikawa -- who has two other applications on sale through Apple -- is no longer available. The free application popped up on the App Store on Monday and made waves for offering users a way to get some of the same look and feel as the old version of Apple's maps, which used data from Google. The app included an options menu that looked very much like Apple's own maps app, folding up to reveal extra options, including a toggle to switch between Apple's maps data and Google's. Notably missing were any sort of navigation features or Google's Street View, two things other developers and Google have scrambled to replace either through apps or through the Web. In a tweet Kishikawa noted that the removal was "Apple's decision," though did not elaborate. CNET has reached out to him and Apple for additional information. The removal was reported earlier by Pocketnow.
Unlocked, SIM-free iPhone 5S now sold through Apple
Unlocked, SIM-free iPhone 5S now sold through Apple
People who like their phones unlocked and SIM-free can now pick up an iPhone 5S in that state directly through Apple.Available via Apple's online store, the new unlocked iPhone 5S requires a GSM-compatible SIM, which means it'll work on AT&T and T-Mobile but not on Sprint or Verizon. It also means buyers will have to pick up a SIM from their carrier of choice.With no carrier subsidy, the phone sells at full retail -- $649 for the 16GB model, $749 for the 32GB edition, and $849 for the 64GB version. An unlocked iPhone 5S that comes with a T-Mobile SIM has already been on Apple's Web site selling at the same prices. Apple promises a ship time of one to two weeks for the SIM-free edition and three to five business days for the unlocked T-Mobile version.Consumers curious about the pros and cons of an unlocked iPhone should read Apple's "About the Unlocked iPhone" Web page.(Via Boy Genius Report)
People who like their phones unlocked and SIM-free can now pick up an iPhone 5S in that state directly through Apple.Available via Apple's online store, the new unlocked iPhone 5S requires a GSM-compatible SIM, which means it'll work on AT&T and T-Mobile but not on Sprint or Verizon. It also means buyers will have to pick up a SIM from their carrier of choice.With no carrier subsidy, the phone sells at full retail -- $649 for the 16GB model, $749 for the 32GB edition, and $849 for the 64GB version. An unlocked iPhone 5S that comes with a T-Mobile SIM has already been on Apple's Web site selling at the same prices. Apple promises a ship time of one to two weeks for the SIM-free edition and three to five business days for the unlocked T-Mobile version.Consumers curious about the pros and cons of an unlocked iPhone should read Apple's "About the Unlocked iPhone" Web page.(Via Boy Genius Report)
Blast music from Vladimir Putin's head
Blast music from Vladimir Putin's head
If you love both prominent political figures and rocking out to sweet tunes, we may have the speakers for you. Sound of Power has released a new line of porcelain-bust speakers for computers, smartphones, and tablets, modeling them after presidents and dictators. Related LinksPot speakers, hemp cars: Mark 4/20 with ganja-inspired techThe lineup consists of five political figures: Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Robert Mugabe, Muammar al-Gaddafi, and even Kim Jung-un. Whichever head you choose, you'll find that Sound of Power has sliced off a piece of it to house the single speaker, and each order is signed by artist Petro Wodkins. The busts are available in threesizes: a 10-inch model for around $1,200; a 1-foot-10-inch model for $3,900; and a model that's almost 4 feet tall for just under $40,000. Sorry audiophiles, those prices are for a single speaker, so you'll get the same monophonic sound as in most Bluetooth speakers. Of course if vanity is your thing, you can have Sound of Power customize a bust to look just like you, a family member, or even a pet. The team uses 3D modeling to capture a 3D image of your head, which they'll use to build a white porcelain or 24-karat-gold speaker version of you. This customization is available only for the 3-foot-7-inch bust, and it'll set you back about $165,000. Though for that price you get flown out to Moscow and put up at the Ritz Carlton for a few days so they can prepare your bust, and they'll deliver and install the speaker in person at your home or office.If you just can't live without having a porcelain bust of a president, dictator, or loved one pumping out your iTunes library, head over to Sound of Power's site to preorder one for yourself.(Via Luxury Launches)
If you love both prominent political figures and rocking out to sweet tunes, we may have the speakers for you. Sound of Power has released a new line of porcelain-bust speakers for computers, smartphones, and tablets, modeling them after presidents and dictators. Related LinksPot speakers, hemp cars: Mark 4/20 with ganja-inspired techThe lineup consists of five political figures: Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Robert Mugabe, Muammar al-Gaddafi, and even Kim Jung-un. Whichever head you choose, you'll find that Sound of Power has sliced off a piece of it to house the single speaker, and each order is signed by artist Petro Wodkins. The busts are available in threesizes: a 10-inch model for around $1,200; a 1-foot-10-inch model for $3,900; and a model that's almost 4 feet tall for just under $40,000. Sorry audiophiles, those prices are for a single speaker, so you'll get the same monophonic sound as in most Bluetooth speakers. Of course if vanity is your thing, you can have Sound of Power customize a bust to look just like you, a family member, or even a pet. The team uses 3D modeling to capture a 3D image of your head, which they'll use to build a white porcelain or 24-karat-gold speaker version of you. This customization is available only for the 3-foot-7-inch bust, and it'll set you back about $165,000. Though for that price you get flown out to Moscow and put up at the Ritz Carlton for a few days so they can prepare your bust, and they'll deliver and install the speaker in person at your home or office.If you just can't live without having a porcelain bust of a president, dictator, or loved one pumping out your iTunes library, head over to Sound of Power's site to preorder one for yourself.(Via Luxury Launches)
BioShock releases on iOS
BioShock releases on iOS
Old fans of 2K Games' BioShock series and newcomers alike have a new way to play the "biopunk" first-person shooter today, with the game officially launching on iOS -- a move that further blurs the lines between mobile gaming and console/PC gaming.The game, originally released for Windows PC, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2007, was announced as a mobile port earlier this month. It has been modified with slightly scaled-back graphics so it can run on mobile hardware, as well as touch controls -- although it is also compatible with third-party mobile-compatible controllers.Related articlesBioShock heads to iOS as 'premium priced' gameWhy I don't play console games on my smartphone"Bringing a true AAA gaming experience to the mobile platform, BioShock sends players on an adventure to explore the submerged Art Deco city of Rapture to fight deranged survivors of a failed objectivist utopia, and genetically modify their own DNA to gain superhuman powers," 2K wrote in a press release."The game also features a new leaderboard system, an in-app digital artbook (based on the original Special Edition), and a new player profile function that allows players to see how they stack up against their friends with a number of personal in-game stats that track how many weapons and plasmids are used, the number of enemies killed, and more."As promised, it is priced on the "premium" level -- $14.99, AU$18.99, and £10.49 -- and is only compatible with new iDevice models: iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad 4, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5. It won't run on older devices, the developer warns, and you may find yourself needing to clear some space on your device: Unsurprisingly, it comes in at a whopping 1.65GB.You can grab it now from the iTunes app store, and stay tuned for our full review.
Old fans of 2K Games' BioShock series and newcomers alike have a new way to play the "biopunk" first-person shooter today, with the game officially launching on iOS -- a move that further blurs the lines between mobile gaming and console/PC gaming.The game, originally released for Windows PC, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2007, was announced as a mobile port earlier this month. It has been modified with slightly scaled-back graphics so it can run on mobile hardware, as well as touch controls -- although it is also compatible with third-party mobile-compatible controllers.Related articlesBioShock heads to iOS as 'premium priced' gameWhy I don't play console games on my smartphone"Bringing a true AAA gaming experience to the mobile platform, BioShock sends players on an adventure to explore the submerged Art Deco city of Rapture to fight deranged survivors of a failed objectivist utopia, and genetically modify their own DNA to gain superhuman powers," 2K wrote in a press release."The game also features a new leaderboard system, an in-app digital artbook (based on the original Special Edition), and a new player profile function that allows players to see how they stack up against their friends with a number of personal in-game stats that track how many weapons and plasmids are used, the number of enemies killed, and more."As promised, it is priced on the "premium" level -- $14.99, AU$18.99, and £10.49 -- and is only compatible with new iDevice models: iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad 4, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5. It won't run on older devices, the developer warns, and you may find yourself needing to clear some space on your device: Unsurprisingly, it comes in at a whopping 1.65GB.You can grab it now from the iTunes app store, and stay tuned for our full review.
Apple retail chief headed to J.C. Penney
Apple retail chief headed to J.C. Penney
The man responsible for Apple's iconic retail stores is leaving the company.Ron Johnson is becoming president and CEO of department store chain J.C. Penney.The Wall Street Journal first reported the move this morning.Johnson, 52, will officially take the CEO mantle on November 1. He joins J.C. Penney's board of directors beginning August 1, the retail chain said today.Apple confirmed Johnson's departure to AllThingsD and said the company is "actively recruiting for his replacement.""I've always dreamed of leading a major retail company as CEO, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help J. C. Penney re-imagine what I believe to be the single greatest opportunity in American retailing today, the Department Store," Johnson said today in a statement.As a show of confidence in his new employer's long-term potential, Johnson will put $50 million of his own money in J.C. Penney stock, according to a statement from the retailer.Johnson came to Apple in January 2000 from Target, where he was vice president of merchandising. At Apple he served as senior vice president of retail. Under his watch, the company has opened 320 stores, with 40 more planned before the end of this year. In 2010 Apple stores did $9 billion in sales worldwide. In Apple's most recent earnings call, the company said that more than 1 billion visitors have stepped foot inside its retail stores since their debut in 2001.Last month Apple celebrated the 10-year anniversaryof the opening of the first Apple Store in Tyson's Corner, Va.By contrast, J.C. Penney opened its first store in 1902. According to its site, J.C. Penney has more than 1,100 stores across the U.S. and reported $17.8 billion in revenue last year.Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrevUpdated at 9:45 a.m. PT with statements from J.C. Penney's and Johnson, at 9:30 a.m. PT with confirmation of his departure, and at 9:23 a.m. PT with background information on Apple stores.
The man responsible for Apple's iconic retail stores is leaving the company.Ron Johnson is becoming president and CEO of department store chain J.C. Penney.The Wall Street Journal first reported the move this morning.Johnson, 52, will officially take the CEO mantle on November 1. He joins J.C. Penney's board of directors beginning August 1, the retail chain said today.Apple confirmed Johnson's departure to AllThingsD and said the company is "actively recruiting for his replacement.""I've always dreamed of leading a major retail company as CEO, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help J. C. Penney re-imagine what I believe to be the single greatest opportunity in American retailing today, the Department Store," Johnson said today in a statement.As a show of confidence in his new employer's long-term potential, Johnson will put $50 million of his own money in J.C. Penney stock, according to a statement from the retailer.Johnson came to Apple in January 2000 from Target, where he was vice president of merchandising. At Apple he served as senior vice president of retail. Under his watch, the company has opened 320 stores, with 40 more planned before the end of this year. In 2010 Apple stores did $9 billion in sales worldwide. In Apple's most recent earnings call, the company said that more than 1 billion visitors have stepped foot inside its retail stores since their debut in 2001.Last month Apple celebrated the 10-year anniversaryof the opening of the first Apple Store in Tyson's Corner, Va.By contrast, J.C. Penney opened its first store in 1902. According to its site, J.C. Penney has more than 1,100 stores across the U.S. and reported $17.8 billion in revenue last year.Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrevUpdated at 9:45 a.m. PT with statements from J.C. Penney's and Johnson, at 9:30 a.m. PT with confirmation of his departure, and at 9:23 a.m. PT with background information on Apple stores.
Apple resurrects patent claim against Google's Motorola
Apple resurrects patent claim against Google's Motorola
Apple is attempting to revive a patent-infringement claim against Google's Motorola Mobility unit over touch-screen technology, according to Reuters. Apple asked a U.S. appeals court to reinstate the claim after the U.S. International Trade Commission had earlier ruled that one of the related patents was invalid and Motorola hadn't infringed on the second patent. Apple contends that Motorola is copying its technology that allows for transparent screens to sense multiple touches in different locations, allowing users to operate a phone by swiping or tapping the screen. The technology is fundamental to the current generation of smartphones used in virtually every such device.The case targeted several Motorola smartphones, including the original Droid, Droid X, Cliq, Backflip, and Charm, as well as the Xoom tablet. The ITC previously ruled that the multitouch technology was similar to a patent filed by Sony, and that Apple didn't have an exclusive claim on touch-screen technology. Apple argued that Motorola had attempted to come up with similar technology but failed to develop a useful touch screen. CNET contacted Apple and Motorola for further details and comments, and we'll update the story when they respond. The ITC has the power to enforce an importation ban on products found to be infringing on patents, essentially stopping them from being sold in the U.S. Companies have used the ITC as a way to gain bargaining power when coming to terms on technology licensing.
Apple is attempting to revive a patent-infringement claim against Google's Motorola Mobility unit over touch-screen technology, according to Reuters. Apple asked a U.S. appeals court to reinstate the claim after the U.S. International Trade Commission had earlier ruled that one of the related patents was invalid and Motorola hadn't infringed on the second patent. Apple contends that Motorola is copying its technology that allows for transparent screens to sense multiple touches in different locations, allowing users to operate a phone by swiping or tapping the screen. The technology is fundamental to the current generation of smartphones used in virtually every such device.The case targeted several Motorola smartphones, including the original Droid, Droid X, Cliq, Backflip, and Charm, as well as the Xoom tablet. The ITC previously ruled that the multitouch technology was similar to a patent filed by Sony, and that Apple didn't have an exclusive claim on touch-screen technology. Apple argued that Motorola had attempted to come up with similar technology but failed to develop a useful touch screen. CNET contacted Apple and Motorola for further details and comments, and we'll update the story when they respond. The ITC has the power to enforce an importation ban on products found to be infringing on patents, essentially stopping them from being sold in the U.S. Companies have used the ITC as a way to gain bargaining power when coming to terms on technology licensing.
Apple reshuffles top brass- iOS chief to leave in 2013
Apple reshuffles top brass: iOS chief to leave in 2013
Apple is hitting shuffle on its top management. The company today announced that it's rejiggering its executive lineup to add extra responsibilities for some, along with the planned exit of iOS software chief Scott Forstall in 2013. A more immediate departure is John Browett, the head of Apple's retail unit, a move that appears to be sudden given that the company says it's currently seeking a replacement. Meanwhile, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will stay on with expanded roles.Apple says Forstall will effectively be replaced by Craig Federighi, who will oversee both the iOS and OS X groups under one umbrella. Jony Ive will take on "leadership and direction for Human Interface across the company" while continuing as the company's top designer. Meanwhile, Eddy Cue now oversees Siri and Maps as part of a new "online services" group that includes iTunes, iCloud and Apple's various digital stores.Curiously enough, Apple is also bringing Bob Mansfield back into a leadership role. Apple's former hardware chief will now lead a "Technologies" group within the company, which is made up of wireless and semiconductor groups. Mansfield was replaced by Dan Riccio earlier this year, though stayed on to "work on future products" for Apple CEO Tim Cook. All Things Digital is reporting that he's agreed to stay on at Apple through 2014. "We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," Cook said in a statement about the changes. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."It's impossible to get a read on what the market thinks about the move. U.S. trading was closed today because of Hurricane Sandy, and will be closed again on Tuesday.
Apple is hitting shuffle on its top management. The company today announced that it's rejiggering its executive lineup to add extra responsibilities for some, along with the planned exit of iOS software chief Scott Forstall in 2013. A more immediate departure is John Browett, the head of Apple's retail unit, a move that appears to be sudden given that the company says it's currently seeking a replacement. Meanwhile, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will stay on with expanded roles.Apple says Forstall will effectively be replaced by Craig Federighi, who will oversee both the iOS and OS X groups under one umbrella. Jony Ive will take on "leadership and direction for Human Interface across the company" while continuing as the company's top designer. Meanwhile, Eddy Cue now oversees Siri and Maps as part of a new "online services" group that includes iTunes, iCloud and Apple's various digital stores.Curiously enough, Apple is also bringing Bob Mansfield back into a leadership role. Apple's former hardware chief will now lead a "Technologies" group within the company, which is made up of wireless and semiconductor groups. Mansfield was replaced by Dan Riccio earlier this year, though stayed on to "work on future products" for Apple CEO Tim Cook. All Things Digital is reporting that he's agreed to stay on at Apple through 2014. "We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," Cook said in a statement about the changes. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."It's impossible to get a read on what the market thinks about the move. U.S. trading was closed today because of Hurricane Sandy, and will be closed again on Tuesday.
Apple requests removal of antitrust compliance monitor
Apple requests removal of antitrust compliance monitor
Tensions between Apple and a court-appointed antitrust compliance monitor have apparently reached a breaking point.Lawyers for the tech giant on Tuesday asked U.S. District Judge Denise Cote to disqualify Michael Bromwich, arguing that he has demonstrated a personal bias against the company.Bromwich was appointed in October to keep tabs on Apple, following a ruling that the company had conspired with other publishers to set e-book prices.The company took particular issue with a court filing late last month in which Bromwich laid out his full list of grievances against Apple. In the document, the former assistant US attorney and Justice Department inspector general charged that responses to requested meetings with Apple personnel have been limited and that his team has so far received only a small number of all the documents requested and promised.Apple said Tuesday that the filing, dubbed the "Bromwich Declaration," raised questions over the attorney's impartiality:His wholly inappropriate declaration in an adversarial proceeding is compounded by his conduct and the circumstances surrounding his appointment and activities, including his reliance on preappointment conversations with the Court and plaintiffs as grounds for expanding his mandate beyond the terms of the Final Judgment, his active collaboration with plaintiffs to broaden the scope of his mandate in this manner and oppose Apple's motion for stay, his financial demands, and his adversarial, inquisitorial, and prosecutorial communications and activities toward Apple since his appointment. Bromwich's job is to work from inside Apple for two years to assure the company's compliance with US antitrust laws. However, just one month after the monitoring began, Apple and Bromwich were already at odds with each other.Apple claimed in November that the attorney's fees were excessive, pointing to the $138,432 he charged for his first two weeks of work. Meanwhile, Bromwich countered that his requests to meet with key Apple people were largely being ignored.[Via Apple Insider]
Tensions between Apple and a court-appointed antitrust compliance monitor have apparently reached a breaking point.Lawyers for the tech giant on Tuesday asked U.S. District Judge Denise Cote to disqualify Michael Bromwich, arguing that he has demonstrated a personal bias against the company.Bromwich was appointed in October to keep tabs on Apple, following a ruling that the company had conspired with other publishers to set e-book prices.The company took particular issue with a court filing late last month in which Bromwich laid out his full list of grievances against Apple. In the document, the former assistant US attorney and Justice Department inspector general charged that responses to requested meetings with Apple personnel have been limited and that his team has so far received only a small number of all the documents requested and promised.Apple said Tuesday that the filing, dubbed the "Bromwich Declaration," raised questions over the attorney's impartiality:His wholly inappropriate declaration in an adversarial proceeding is compounded by his conduct and the circumstances surrounding his appointment and activities, including his reliance on preappointment conversations with the Court and plaintiffs as grounds for expanding his mandate beyond the terms of the Final Judgment, his active collaboration with plaintiffs to broaden the scope of his mandate in this manner and oppose Apple's motion for stay, his financial demands, and his adversarial, inquisitorial, and prosecutorial communications and activities toward Apple since his appointment. Bromwich's job is to work from inside Apple for two years to assure the company's compliance with US antitrust laws. However, just one month after the monitoring began, Apple and Bromwich were already at odds with each other.Apple claimed in November that the attorney's fees were excessive, pointing to the $138,432 he charged for his first two weeks of work. Meanwhile, Bromwich countered that his requests to meet with key Apple people were largely being ignored.[Via Apple Insider]
Apple reports on Foxconn, supplier workplace standards
Apple reports on Foxconn, supplier workplace standards
In its latest report, Apple said it conducted audits of 127 facilities throughout the world. Ninety-seven of those were first-time audits and 30 were repeat audits.Although many consumer electronic companies around the world use these same suppliers for their products, more than 40 percent of the suppliers audited said Apple was the first company to ever have audited their facilities. Perhaps one of the most publicized among Apple's suppliers is Foxconn due to the worker suicides that facility experienced last year. To address the situation, Apple COO Tim Cook was joined by suicide prevention specialists for a visit to the factory.Apple says its team worked with Foxconn's management to make sure measures were put in place to prevent more suicides. An independent review was also commissioned for the facility. Reviewers spoke to more than 1,000 workers about their quality of life at Foxconn. According to the report, Foxconn had no involvement in the independent study.In addition to auditing the facilities, Apple said more than 300,000 workers and 6,000 supervisors have been trained over the past two years in worker rights, labor laws, and safety, among other topics.Apple says it's been "aggressive in helping underage workers return to their families and get back to school."If underage workers are discovered, Apple said it requires the supplier to pay for education expenses, a living stipend, and lost wages for six months or until the worker is 16, whichever is longer.The report, available from the company's Web site, details what its auditors found from facilities around the world.Updated at 2:09 p.m. PT: to fix a typo in Tim Cook's name.
In its latest report, Apple said it conducted audits of 127 facilities throughout the world. Ninety-seven of those were first-time audits and 30 were repeat audits.Although many consumer electronic companies around the world use these same suppliers for their products, more than 40 percent of the suppliers audited said Apple was the first company to ever have audited their facilities. Perhaps one of the most publicized among Apple's suppliers is Foxconn due to the worker suicides that facility experienced last year. To address the situation, Apple COO Tim Cook was joined by suicide prevention specialists for a visit to the factory.Apple says its team worked with Foxconn's management to make sure measures were put in place to prevent more suicides. An independent review was also commissioned for the facility. Reviewers spoke to more than 1,000 workers about their quality of life at Foxconn. According to the report, Foxconn had no involvement in the independent study.In addition to auditing the facilities, Apple said more than 300,000 workers and 6,000 supervisors have been trained over the past two years in worker rights, labor laws, and safety, among other topics.Apple says it's been "aggressive in helping underage workers return to their families and get back to school."If underage workers are discovered, Apple said it requires the supplier to pay for education expenses, a living stipend, and lost wages for six months or until the worker is 16, whichever is longer.The report, available from the company's Web site, details what its auditors found from facilities around the world.Updated at 2:09 p.m. PT: to fix a typo in Tim Cook's name.
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